Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
A delicate salmon fillet coated in a nutty pistachio crust, served with a bright lemon-dill sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, shelled pistachios, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: While salmon bakes, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp butter. Stir until butter melts and sauce is warm, about 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve salmon with lemon-dill sauce and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Delicious! The pistachio crust gave such a nice crunch.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a new favorite. The flavors are bright and fresh. Served with roasted veggies, it was perfect.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Simple and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner.